In this episode we discuss: What can companies do to become more inclusive, equitable and diverse? We are joined by Audrey ROOFEH, Founder & CEO Mariana Strategies-Tory Burch Foundation Fellow-DEIA lead

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We chat about the following with Audrey Roofeh:

• What are the crucial components for implementing effective DEI policies?
• Why investing in middle managers and equipping them with skills in emotional intelligence, conflict management, and building psychological safety is essential.
• What does the retention of diverse talent require?
• How leadership can become more comfortable and capable in discussing DEI topics.
• How to take action on DEI.

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/roofeh/
• www.marianastrategies.com
• youtube.com/@mariana_strategies/

Audrey Roofeh is the CEO of Mariana Strategies, a workplace culture consulting firm focused on creating safe and inclusive workplaces. We make it possible to have the important, difficult conversations that drive change.

In 2017 when #MeToo hit, Audrey quit her job managing a team of lawyers at a non-profit to start Mariana Strategies. From the beginning, her goal was to help organizations build and sustain workplaces where people feel valued, trusted, and able to be their authentic selves - without harassment, discrimination, or other all too prevalent workplace challenges.

Since then, Audrey and her team has worked with government agencies, non-profit clients, and private sector businesses in the US and beyond.

The best thing any client has said about Audrey is that she makes hard conversations easy to have.

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00:00 Introduction

19:22 The Importance of Policies and the 'Boring Stuff'

20:28 The Role of Leadership in Promoting DEI

25:35 Equipping Middle Managers for DEI Success

31:31 Measuring Progress and Taking Action to Subvert Biases

33:52 Creating an Inclusive Environment

39:11 Using Empathy to Address Inclusion Challenges

42:49 Resources

44:33 Taking Action on DEI